Categories: uncategorized
Date: 15 February 2006 15:27:08
Following the post on Lanark's log regarding passports reminded me of a friend's problems in France.
Being a trucker he's always driving around Europe trying to evade police and get there and back before he actually left; consuming vast quantities of alcohol while away.
Upon arriving on the outskirts of Strasbourg he parked at the lorry park for the night and went in search of food, women and alcohol. Having consumed vast amounts of fine French beer he wandered back to get some sleep. Now what no one tells you is that the lorry park is actually across the border in Germany and the pubs are actually located in France.
When crossing over they just let you in to go and get drunk. However, on your return they stop and request sight of your passport. No passport, sir? No your driving licence with photo won't do. Maybe you'd like to pay a small fine of 50 Francs instead? No? How about a night in our free cells next door and a vehicle search tomorrow?
How many people have they caught in this way? No one knows but they never tell you on your way through that you are drinking abroad.
Another friend with the same job, spent 3 weeks travelling around Europe without his passport after leaving it at a security office on a French airfield. Not once did he get stopped, and asked to produce his passport, until he managed to get a return trip back to the airfield almost a month later.